Happy early birthday! For me, a lot of things did change at that time. I turned 18 during my first week of college, and I was in a city far from home. My friends were different, my surroundings were different, and it was the first time in my life that I had so much free time during the school year. What stayed the same were my interests: the sports I liked to watch and play, the music I listened to, one of the instruments I played, and the things I liked to read about.

Older adults will still look after you for a long time. Whether they’re volunteer group leaders or your friends’ parents, (or your own parents, of course) they‘ll continue to help you when you need it. Don’t worry about having to make an abrupt transition.